Handling Q&A Sessions

Here are some common mistakes and suggestions for Question and Answer Sessions.

DON’T…

  • Start to think about the answer while the person is talking.  Focus completely on the questioner and understanding their question or concern.
  • Start babbling. Think about your answer before you start talking.
  • Make up an answer. If you don’t know the answer, admit it and let them know you’ll follow up with an answer.
  • Get defensive. Instead, reframe and neutralize an angry question. For example, if someone in the audience says, “Your research is wrong,” you could rephrase the comment by saying, “We have a question about our numbers; let me explain how we came up with these figures…”
  • End on a low note or tough question. Always do a quick summary and call to action, for example, “Thanks so much for your time today.  I hope you now have a better understanding of the importance of this initiative and will support it within each of your business units.”

DO…

  • Repeat back the question so everyone in the audience hears it.
  • Pause before you answer and think about what you want to say.
  • Keep your answer concise.
  • Reinforce the key messages from your presentation when possible.
  • Talk to everyone in the audience during the answer, not just the person who asked the questions.